Cumberland Falls State Park- Eagle Falls Trail

I am a bit late posting this hike.  We hiked it on Memorial Day, May 24th.  Several of our regular hikers were unable to go, but we dragged a few family members along and ended up with 13 hikers.  It's a pretty lengthy drive to Cumberland Falls, but it is worth going at least one time.  Cumberland Falls is quite a large falls and is known as the Niagra of the South.  It is also know for its moonbow. 

Our first stop was the visitor center for information, restrooms, and for viewing Cumberland Falls from the established areas.  You can drive right to the parking lot and walk just a short distance for these views.

From the upper viewing area

If you walk down some steps, you can access another viewing platform with a better and closer angle.

from the lower deck

After enjoying the falls from the Visitor Center area, we carpooled over to the Eagle Falls trailhead across the river.  Note:  parking is very limited.  We did an out and back 2 miles total hike to Eagle Falls.  The loop doesn't have much more to offer when the leaves are on, and the humidity was high.  We followed the recommendation of the lady at the visitor center and eliminated the upper, more strenuous part.  Boy were we glad we did as the hike, though straight out and back along the river, was filled with ups and down and steps, steps, and more steps!  But we were rewarded with great views of Cumberland Falls.

Cumberland Falls from Eagle Falls trail

Finally we descended a last set of steel steps and picked our way across some rocks to the base of Eagle Falls.

Eagle Falls